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Old 18th Nov 2019, 13:14
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safetypee
 
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MCAS, Autopilot, and Stability, 737 Max.

The original MCAS had no function with the autopilot engaged; no force feedback required as for manual flight, thus presumably not requiring any AoA input (AP automatically disengaged with AoA disagreement, presumably via the cross monitored air data parameters).

Assuming a similar AP configuration after modification, how might pilots react to a sudden AP disconnect due to MACS lockout (air data disagree) when flying in the stability sensitive parts of the flight envelope ?

In stability terms the aircraft would be ‘different’ because of the lack of MCAS contribution with trim, also the AP disengagement would be a sudden change, becoming an aircraft with reduced stability margin (different handling qualities) presumably more difficult to transition too, to fly - surprise.

Should this be a situation considered in recertification ?
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